24 Types Of Lawyers (With Responsibilities + Salaries)

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24 Types of Lawyers (With Responsibilities + Salaries)

The legal profession encompasses a diverse array of specialties, each offering unique career paths. While the fundamental journey to becoming a lawyer remains consistent—earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and passing the Bar exam—the roles and responsibilities can vary greatly across different types of attorneys.

Whether you’re a pre-law student, a job seeker, or simply someone interested in the legal field, this article will explore the various types of lawyers and their functions, helping you determine which legal career might be the best fit for you.

Key Takeaways:

There are numerous types of lawyers, including criminal lawyers, corporate lawyers, estate planning lawyers, and tax attorneys.
An attorney practices law in a courtroom, while a lawyer may not, often serving as a legal advisor or consultant. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.
The two main types of criminal lawyers are defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys.

24 Types Of Lawyers (With Examples)

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Types of Lawyers

Criminal Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $83,684

Criminal lawyers are often the first type of lawyer that comes to mind. They represent clients facing criminal charges, whether prosecuting or defending them in court.

To become a criminal lawyer in the U.S., you must understand federal, state, and local laws, as well as the specifics of the jurisdiction in which you practice.

Specializations within criminal law, such as DUI defense, are also common. Public defense attorneys fall under this category.

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Bankruptcy Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Bankruptcy lawyers guide both individuals and businesses through the bankruptcy process, helping them evaluate their options and navigate the legal complexities.

Be prepared for a fluctuating workload, as economic conditions greatly influence the demand for bankruptcy services.
Immigration Attorney
Average Annual Salary: $79,000

Immigration lawyers assist clients in navigating the complex immigration landscape, helping them obtain green cards, refugee status, and employment opportunities, as well as addressing deportation issues.

This specialty also involves advising businesses on compliance with immigration laws, making it a highly specialized and rewarding field.

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Family Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $110,166

Family lawyers handle cases related to divorce, custody, adoption, and other familial issues. Many laws in this area are state-specific, so familiarity with local laws is essential.

Strong interpersonal and listening skills are crucial in this field to manage sensitive circumstances effectively.

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Estate Planning Attorney
Average Annual Salary: $83,795

Estate planning attorneys assist clients with drafting wills, establishing trusts, and providing guidance on financial and charitable planning.

This role involves considerable paperwork and organizational skills, making it ideal for those who prefer a desk job.

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Corporate Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $125,000

Corporate lawyers provide legal counsel to businesses on various issues, including governance, compliance, and mergers and acquisitions.

This role focuses on protecting the corporation rather than individual clients, presenting its own unique challenges.

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Employment/Labor Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Employment lawyers advocate for employees, addressing issues such as severance, wrongful termination, and workplace discrimination.

Often representing individuals without union support, this field is essential for upholding workers’ rights.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Workers’ compensation lawyers assist employees seeking restitution for job-related injuries or illnesses.

This specialty often requires regular courtroom appearances, so consider your preference for litigation when pursuing this path.
Contract Attorney
Average Annual Salary: $82,000

Contract lawyers focus on the creation, negotiation, and enforcement of contracts, addressing disputes that arise post-signing. They may travel internationally to finalize deals, especially in firms with global operations.

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Intellectual Property Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $117,000

Intellectual property lawyers assist clients with protecting their copyrights, trademarks, and patents, as well as resolving infringement disputes.

Specialization by industry is common due to varying intellectual property laws.

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Real Estate Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $222,917

Real estate lawyers assist clients with various aspects of property transactions, including sales, leasing, and zoning regulations.

Strong negotiation skills are vital in this field, whether representing buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants.

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Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Specializing in cases where medical professionals cause harm to patients, medical malpractice lawyers navigate complex legal and medical issues.

This specialty may also involve advising other professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, on avoiding malpractice claims.
Legal Malpractice Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Legal malpractice lawyers represent clients in cases against attorneys for failing to uphold their duties, ethical standards, or legal obligations.
Tax Attorney
Average Annual Salary: $92,000

Tax attorneys navigate the complexities of tax law, defending clients against IRS actions related to fraud, evasion, or non-filing.

This specialty typically requires less courtroom time, making it appealing for those who prefer working with numbers.

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Civil Litigation Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $141,000

Civil litigation lawyers represent clients in disputes ranging from contractual issues to class action lawsuits.

This role often involves extensive negotiation and trial preparation.

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Social Security Disability Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Social Security disability lawyers assist clients in navigating the often-complicated process of filing for and appealing disability benefits.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Personal injury lawyers represent clients injured in accidents, advocating for compensation for physical and emotional damages.

This field can also involve cases of libel and defamation.
Civil Rights Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Civil rights lawyers defend individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated, often representing them in high-profile cases.

Comfort with public scrutiny and the ability to educate audiences on civil rights issues are essential in this role.
Environmental Attorney
Average Annual Salary: $79,278

Environmental lawyers focus on regulations related to air and water quality, species preservation, and waste management, working with various stakeholders to enforce environmental laws.

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General Practice Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

General practice lawyers handle a wide range of legal issues but may lack the specialized expertise that their counterparts possess.

Always inquire about their specific areas of experience when consulting a general practice lawyer.
Military Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Military lawyers operate within military courts, representing service members in both civil and criminal cases.

Each military branch has its own Judge Advocate General (JAG), but military lawyers must also understand general law.
Traffic/DUI Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Traffic lawyers assist clients facing charges related to driving offenses, including DUIs, helping to mitigate the consequences of these legal issues.
Public Interest Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Public interest lawyers work in various settings, including non-profits and government agencies, often providing pro bono services to underserved communities.

While they may earn less than privately employed lawyers, their work aims to create meaningful societal change.
Entertainment Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: N/A

Entertainment lawyers represent clients in the entertainment industry, negotiating contracts and addressing copyright and trademark issues.

This specialty involves managing high-stakes legal matters for artists and athletes alike.

Types of Lawyer FAQ

What are the two main types of criminal lawyers?

The two main types of criminal lawyers are defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys. Defense attorneys advocate for the accused, while prosecuting attorneys represent the government.
What type of lawyer gets paid the most?

Real estate lawyers tend to be among the highest-paid, with average salaries around $222,917, especially when handling high-value transactions.
Is law school difficult?

Yes, law school presents significant challenges, requiring students to master dense legal texts and complex case law. It demands a considerable investment of time and resources.
What types of lawyers are there? The legal field encompasses several major areas, including:
- Family/Divorce Law
- Labor Law
- Environmental Law
- Constitutional Law
- Corporate Law
- Immigration Law
- Real Estate Law
- Insurance Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Tax Law
- Patent Law
- Criminal Law
Each of these broad categories offers various opportunities for specialized attorneys.
What type of lawyers travel the most? International trade lawyers, corporate lawyers, and human rights lawyers typically travel frequently for their work, engaging with clients and cases across borders.
What is the best type of lawyer? The best type of lawyer aligns with your personal priorities and passions. High-paying fields include real estate, corporate, tax, and patent law, while roles in immigration and human rights law can be fulfilling for those seeking to make a difference.

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Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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